CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 1 of 10
1.0 FOCUS: Mobilization with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
The purpose of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to ensure that new knowledge is
integrated across Fraser Health and to standardize evidence based mobilization strategies
in patients with a DVT.
2.0 BACKGROUND
DVT occurs in a diverse patient population with risk factors including, but not limited to,
immobility, surgery, trauma, acute medical illness and malignancy. In the past, there have
been recommendations of strict bed rest for a variable time after acute DVT and after the
start of anticoagulation. More recently, research has shown that there is no difference
between ambulation and bed rest on either the development of a (Pulmonary Embolism)
PE (2, 8, and 9) or on the progression or development of a new DVT (5). Furthermore, the
complications and cost of prescribed bed rest are well documented and early ambulation in
preference to initial bed rest has been strongly recommended (9).
3.0 DEFINITIONS
Activity as Tolerated (AAT): An order given by the physician indicating that the person
can be active on the ward as tolerated by the person.
Anticoagulation Therapy for Prophylaxis: The therapeutic use of anticoagulants to
discourage/prevent the formation of blood clots (eg. Low dose subcutaneous heparin or
low molecular weight heparin).
Anticoagulation Therapy for Treatment: The therapeutic use of anticoagulants to
prevent the extension/progression of an existing clot or thrombus (eg. Treatment doses of
intravenous heparin, subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin and warfarin). Please
see the anticoagulation appendix for more details.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein causing partial or complete
blockage of blood flow.
Informed Consent: The process for obtaining voluntary agreement to health care based
on full knowledge of the proposed health care and on the person’s capability to make an
informed decision. The health care provider’s responsibility is to make every reasonable
effort to give relevant information in a way that is best understood by the person and then
obtain informed consent.
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 2 of 10
Mobilization: In this context it refers to the person moving around ie transferring to a chair,
ambulating around the ward.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blood clot in a pulmonary artery or one of its branches.
Interdisciplinary team: A team of health care providers that represent more than one
profession.
4.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES
1)
2)
Activity will be encouraged as tolerated once anticoagulation therapy for treatment
has been started.
An individualized plan of care will be developed by the interdisciplinary team as
required.
5.0 ASSESSMENT
Once a person with a DVT or suspected DVT is referred to physiotherapy:
1)
Check the chart to see if the person has been started on anticoagulation therapy for
treatment.
 If it is not clear whether the patient is on anticoagulation therapy for prophylaxis or
treatment, then check with the Pharmacist or Physician.
 If the person has not been started on anticoagulation therapy for treatment then all
mobility orders need to be checked with the physician. This should be done
immediately as mobilization is generally more beneficial than detrimental.
 Rarely (eg. renal failure/ bariatric patients), a person may be put on IV heparin
instead of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH). In this instance check mobility
orders with the physician. If you are not sure what anticoagulation the person is
on, check with the Physician or Pharmacist (See the anticoagulation appendix for
more details).
 Rarely (eg. Cancer Patients), a persons DVT may be progressing despite being
on anticoagulation therapy for treatment, in this case, check mobility orders with
the physician.
2)
Check the chart to make sure there are no activity restrictions.
If a patient is already on anticoagulation therapy for treatment (eg post-op patient) and a
DVT is suspected or confirmed, there is no need to stop mobilization unless there are
specific physician orders to do so.
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 3 of 10
6.0 INTERVENTIONS
1)
Interventions where a patient has contraindications to anticoagulation therapy for
treatment:
a) This guideline should not be used and all mobility issues/orders should go through
the physician.
2)
Interventions where there is a suspected or diagnosed P.E.
a) This guideline should not be used and all mobility issues/orders should go through
the physician.
3)
Interventions where the patient has started anticoagulation therapy for treatment:
a) Assess mobility (Persons should be monitored for significant/substantial/major
change in symptoms such as pain, swelling, color, sudden shortness of breath).
Any changes should be reported to the physician for further investigation.
b) Once mobility has been assessed, the inter-disciplinary team should continue with
mobility as indicated and the patient should be encouraged to be as active as
possible.*
c) * It is recommended that patients with DVT also wear compression stockings (30-40 mm Hg) in
order to decrease the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome.
Formatted: Font: 10 pt
7.0 DOCUMENTATION
Ongoing documentation in the health record is required as per the College of Physical
Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC) Guidelines.
8.0 EDUCATION
Engage in dialogue with the person/decision-maker during the process of all care and
treatment. If mobility is clinically indicated, provide information and advice for informed
consent including:
1)
Benefits and potential risk of mobilization with DVT
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
Formatted: Font: 10 pt
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
2)
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 4 of 10
Symptoms to report to the interdisciplinary team such as shortness of breath, chest
pain, haemoptysis or changes in pain etc.
9.0 EVALUATION
Evaluation of the interventions will be based on the symptoms and clinical re-assessment
of the person by all health care practitioners involved with their care.
10.0 MONITORING
1)
Reviews of the literature should take place on a yearly basis to ensure the CPG is
updated.
2)
To assess the impact of the CPG implementation, multi-site reviews of the practice of
physiotherapists in regards to mobilizing patients with a DVT should be done before
and after implementation.
11.0 REFERENCES
1. Anderson, et al. (2009). Ambulation after deep vein thrombosis: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Canada,
61(3): 133-140.
2. Aschwanden M, et al. (2001). Acute deep vein thrombosis: early mobilization does not increase the frequency
of pulmonary embolism. Thromb Haemostasis, 85:42-6.
3. Blattler W & Partsch H (2003). Leg compression and ambulation is better than bed rest for the treatment of
acute deep venous thrombosis. Int Angiol, (3): 393-400.
4. Henke PK, et al. (2007). Proximate versus nonproximate risk factor associated primary deep venous
thrombosis: Clinical spectrum and outcomes. Journal of Vasc Surgery, 45, 5, 998-1007.
5. Junger M, et al. (2006). Mobilization versus immobilization in the treatment of acute proximal deep venous
thrombosis: a prospective, randomised, open, multicentre trial. Curr Med Res Opin, 22 (3): 593-602.
6. Manganaro A, et al, (2008). A retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients with documented deep-venous
thrombosis and their risk of pulmonary embolism. Angiology, 59, 5, 599-603.
7. Schellong SM, et al. (1999). Bed rest in deep vein thrombosis and the incidence of scintigraphic pulmonary
embolism. Thromb Haemostasis, 82:127-9.
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 5 of 10
8. Trujillo-Santos J, et al. (2005). Bed rest or ambulation in the initial treatment of patients with acute deep vein
thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Am Col Chest Phys, 127, 1630-1636.
9. Gay V, et al. (2009) Influence of bedrest or ambulation in the clinical treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis
on patient outcomes: a review and synthesis of the literature. MEDSURG Nursing, 18 (5): 293-9
10. Kearon C, et al. (2008). Antithrombotic therapy for venous thromboembolic disease. Chest (Antithrombotic
th
and thrombolytic therapy 8 ed: ACCP Guidelines Supplement point 1.14.1.), 133, 454s-545s.
11. Tosone NC et al. (2012) Development of guideline for treatment of deep and superficial venous thrombosis in
the emergency department. Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, 34(2): 133-146.
11. (Dr. William Geerts, personal communication, August 6, 2009)
th
12. (Dr. Harry Hong, personal communication, December 15 2009)
rd
th
13. (Dr. Joe Giustino, personal communication, December 23 , 24 , 2009)
th
14. (Dr. Sean Brown, personal communication, December 10 2009)
th
15. (Sue Corrigan, personal communication, December 11 2009)
th
16. (Dr. Edward Lawson, personal communication, December 12 2009)
st
17. (Michael Junger, personal communication, January 21 2010)
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 6 of 10
12.0 APPENDICES
1.
Mobilization with DVT: Clinician Algorithm
2.
Anticoagulation Appendix
3.
Frequently Asked Questions
4.
Summary of main articles (separate document)
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 7 of 10
Mobilization with DVT: Clinician Algorithm
Pt with a DVT
or suspected DVT referred
to Physio
Screen chart and see if pt has
been started on anticoagulation
therapy for treatment*
No
Yes
Check mobility orders with the
physician
Check the chart for any
activity restrictions
No Restrictions
Activity Restrictions
Assess Mobility and monitor
for change in symptoms as per
CPG
Clarify reasons for activity
restrictions with the physician
*if you
are not sure if the patient is on anticoagulation therapy for prophylaxis or treatment you should check with the
pharmacist or physician and refer to the anticoagulation appendix for more details
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 8 of 10
APPENDIX ON ANTICOAGULATION
What is Anticoagulation?
Anticoagulation involves the use of a drug to interfere with the clotting mechanism of the blood
to a limited degree to prevent or treat thrombosis and embolism. It is used for treatment and
prevention of DVT and PE, prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, artificial heart
valves, cardiac thrombus, ischemic heart disease, and during procedures like cardiac
catheterization
What is an Anticoagulant?
A drug that reduces clotting of the blood. Anticoagulants are used to prevent clot formation or to
prevent a clot that has formed from enlarging.
Although these drugs are sometimes called blood thinners, they don’t actually make the
blood any thinner than normal but instead they inhibit the formation of clotting factors to
a controlled degree so the blood does not clot as easily. These drugs do not dissolve
clots that have already formed but they do stop an existing clot from getting worse.
What are the Common Types of Anticoagulants:
Coumarins (Vitamin K antagonists, eg. Warfarin/Coumadin®)
Oral anticoagulants that act by antagonizing the effects of Vitamin K on the production of
several of the clotting factors by the liver. It takes at least 72 hours (and usually 5-7 days) for
the anticoagulation effect to develop fully. Therefore, in cases where immediate effect is
required, treatment doses of LMWH or IV heparin should be given at the same time until full
anticoagulation with warfarin has been achieved. Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding,
especially in the elderly.
Unfractionated Heparin (UFC)
A biological substance (usually made from pig intestines) that activates antithrombin, which
inactivates several of the clotting factors in the blood. Heparin can be injected intravenously or
subcutaneously (it degrades when taken by mouth) and has a half life of 1-2 hours.
Low molecular weight heparin(LMWH) (enoxaparin/Lovenox®, dalteparin/Fragmin®,
tinzaparin/Innohep®, nadroparin/Fraxiparine®, rivaroxaban/Xarelto®)
Derived from UFH yielding smaller sized molecules. Does not require monitoring of the APTT
coagulation parameter as they have more predictable plasma levels and fewer side effects (if
given on a weight-adjusted basis). LMWH primarily targets anti-factor Xa and has a half life of
4-6 hours. Xarerlto® is a newer oral anticoagulant being used in some areas for TJR patients as
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 9 of 10
a prophylactic treatment. Since the dose is fixed (once a day 10 mg tablet) it is only used as a
prophylactic treatment and the patient would be changed to another LMWH for treatment
antiocoagulation.
Direct thrombin inhibitors (argatroban, lepirudin, bivlairudin and dabigatran)
A class of anticoagulants that inhibits the key enzyme thrombin. Some are in clinical use, while
others are undergoing clinical development and are expected to replace heparin (and
derivatives) and warfarin in various clinical scenarios. The intravenous direct thrombin inhibitors
(argatroban, bivlairudin and lepirudin) are sometimes used in coronary artery procedures or as
anticoagulation in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Thor oral direct thrombin inhibitor
(dabigatran) is currently approved for use as thromboprophylaxis in patients with hip or knee
arthroplasty.
What is the difference between anticoagulation therapy for prophylaxis and
anticoagulation therapy for treatment?
Therapy for prophylaxis reduces the formation of blood clots while therapy for treatment
prevents the extension/progression of an existing clot. Examples of therapy for prophylaxis are
low dose heparin and LMWH. Examples of therapy for treatment are IV heparin, full dose
LMWH and warfarin.
For LMWH, the therapeutic does is greater than the prophylaxis dose (about 3 times greater).
For example, LMWH in a fixed low dose (such as dalteparin/Fragmin®, 5000 units once a day)
is an effective and safe form of prophylaxis in medical and surgical patients at risk of VTE. If
these patients have a suspected DVT or PE, the dalteparin dose will be increased to a
treatment dose (200 units/kg/day) and warfarin is generally added. For some patients (such as
those with active cancer or pregnant women), LMWH is continued in treatment dose long term
rather than converting over to warfarin.
In patients undergoing general surgery and in high-risk medical patients, low doses of LMWH
administered subcutaneously once daily are at least as effective and safe as low-dose UFH
administered subcutaneously 2 or 3 times daily. LMWH has become the anticoagulant of choice
for the prevention of venous thrombosis following major orthopedic surgery and in
anticoagulant-eligible patients after major trauma. The risk of bleeding with LMWH is small and
comparable to that with low-dose heparin.
Additional Terminology
APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 10 of 10
A performance indicator measuring the efficacy of both the "intrinsic" and the common
coagulation pathways. Apart from detecting abnormalities in blood clotting, it is also used to
monitor the treatment effects with regular heparin. The normal range is 25-40 sec and the
therapeutic range is 75-99 seconds. The blood sample for APTT should generally be taken 4-6
hours after starting a heparin infusion or changing the dosing regimen.
INR (International Normalized Ratio)
A lab test that is used to monitor the treatment effects for warfarin and to help detect some of
the abnormalities in blood clotting. It involves a mathematical correction of the prothrombin time
for differences in the sensitivity of the thromboplastin reagents used in various labs. The target
INR for DVT, PE and AF is 2.0-3.0 and for an artificial cardiac valve is 2.5-3.5. The risk of
bleeding/bruising increases with an INR > 3.5.
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: MOBILITY WITH A DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
AUTHORIZATION:
Integrated Professional
Practice Council
Date Released:
June 3, 2010
Date Revised:
April 12, 2013
Page 11 of 10
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do we need this guideline?



It has been a long-held belief within the field of physiotherapy that it was unsafe to
mobilize a patient with a DVT for risk of them developing a pulmonary embolus.
A review of the current literature does not support this belief. In fact, the evidence shows
there is no increased incidence of DVT progression or PE development in patients with
an existing DVT who are mobilized as opposed to having them on bedrest.
The literature suggests that the benefit exceeds any possible risk to mobilizing a patient
with a DVT.
When a person with a DVT is given anticoagulation therapy, what exactly does the
anticoagulation do? Does it ‘dissolve’ the clot?



The purpose of the anticoagulation is to prevent further extension of the existing clot and
to prevent new clots from forming.
The anticoagulation therapy does NOT dissolve the existing clot.
It may take weeks to months for the clot to be reabsorbed completely. In fact, many
patients with a DVT are monitored in the community by pharmacists over a period of
months.
How long does a patient with a DVT need to be on anticoagulation for it to be safe to
mobilize them?




Patients receiving Low Molecular Weight Heparin (enoxaparin/Lovenox®,
dalteparin/Fragmin®, tinzaparin/Innohep®, nadroparin/Fraxiparine®) can be mobilized
right away.
Patients receiving IV heparin may to be anticoagulated for a minimum of 24 hours and
the PTT needs to be 70-99 to be in therapeutic range.
Patients receiving warfarin can take anywhere from 5-7 days for the anticoagulation
effect to develop fully. Therefore, in cases where immediate effect is required, full-dose
LMWH or heparin are usually given at the same time (for “bridging therapy” until full
anticoagulation with warfarin has been achieved).
Patients on anticoagulation for prophylaxis, who develop a DVT, need to be changed to
some kind of anticoagulation for treatment before it is safe to mobilize them. See the
anticoagulation guidelines and the CPG for details.
Author(s): Fraser Health Physiotherapy Professional Practice Council Shared Work Team
CDST# : FHR-CPG-0012
NOTE: This is a controlled document for Fraser Health (FH) internal use only. FH accepts no responsibility for use outside of this health
authority. The electronic version of this document in the Clinical Policy Office is the current version - any print versions should be checked
against the electronic copy.